London CAReS - Executive Director

Improving the health and housing outcomes of individuals experiencing homelessness in London, Ontario.

London CAReS is a Housing First intervention aimed at individuals experiencing chronic and persistent homelessness based on a highly collaborative community-based approach. The initiative works in collaboration with a range of community partners and offers local leadership in evidence-based Housing First service delivery.

London CAReS is fully supported by the City of London through the London Homeless Prevention System which is aimed at the reduction and prevention of homelessness through housing with support. The collaborative partnership between Addiction Services of Thames Valley, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection and the Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness are currently funded to provide London CAReS service delivery. These three organizations currently provide governance support to the program and function as the CAReS Executive Leadership Team (CELT).

Through municipal, federal and other community financial resources London CAReS operates with an annual budget of two million dollars. The program employs approximately 40 full time and relief staff and provides services 24/7, 365 days per year. The Housing First mandate is realized through the efforts of a talented group of Housing Focused Outreach staff, Housing Stability Workers and business minded Housing Selection staff. The successful candidate will serve as the founding executive director and work with the CELT, CAReS Operational Leadership Team (COLT) and front line staff as London CAReS explores various programming, governance and structural opportunities.

The successful candidate for this vital London CAReS leadership position will share the vision of ending homelessness in London Ontario.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The major responsibilities of the Executive Director include the following:

1.0 Resource to the Board of Directors

Report to the Board of Directors at meetings on the progress of the organization in achieving stated outcomes through written and verbal reports at board and general meetings.
Assist the board and its committees in the development of policies for the organization through the provision of reliable and timely information.
Prepare background information on issues as required by the Board of Directors related to planning, policy, monitoring quality and ensuring financial stability.
Inform the Board of Directors of local, provincial and federal government policies and/or initiatives that affect the organization.
Facilitate the planning and organization of meetings.
Prepare and distribute minutes and reports following board meetings in preparation for next meeting.
Submit annual changes in board membership and/or bylaws to appropriate government organizations.

2.0 Compliance with Legislation and Policy Requirements

Identify requirements in legislation and regulations including the Human Rights Code, Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, Fire and Health Department regulations that pertain to the organization
Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations.
Ensure policies and procedures are in place to respond to the requirements specified in legislation and regulations.
Inform the Board of Directors of the outcome of compliance reviews, inspections and other regulatory processes.
Document and take action in response to suspected abuse, illness or accident according to legislation/regulations and the policies and procedures of the organization.

3.0 Risk Management

Ensure and maintain appropriate insurance policies and coverage.
Inform the Board of Directors of potential situations that could potentially create liabilities for the organization.
Implement policies, procedures and standards to minimize risk.

4.0 Operational Management

Develop and implement operational management plans that support the strategic directions for the organization as stated by the Board of Directors.
Ensure that all policies and procedures manuals are in place and that all staff have proper orientation and training in this area.
Facilitate the strategic planning process that provides the framework for all organizational, program and policy development.
Develop, implement and monitor an organizational design that enables the organization to achieve its mission, mandate and strategic directions.
Appoint a designate in the event of the absence of the Executive Director as determined by policy.

5.0 Management Priorities and Outcomes

In consultation with the various stakeholders of the organization, determine the priorities and outcomes for the service delivery, finance, human resources, information and overall operations of the organization.
Monitor and evaluate the results achieved against specified outcomes (as they are determined) in the service delivery, finance, human resources, information and operations.
Identify variances from established outcomes and ensure corrective action is taken.
Monitor and evaluate quality through a well-defined process.

6.0 Service Delivery Management

Ensure that programs and services are evidence based and reflect the mission and values of the organization.
Evaluate programs regularly to ensure they meet the quality standards of the organization.
Identify community needs through consultation with the key stakeholders of the organization.
Prepare proposals for the development of new programs.

7.0 Human Resources Management

Analyze and design organizational structure and job functions and set performance standards.
Provide direct supervision to the management team and staff.
Provide professional guidance to the management team in the resolution of concerns and problems.
Provide a positive, fair and learning environment within the organization.
Review and revise job descriptions to reflect responsibilities, authority and accountability.
Ensure that appropriate staff recruitment, selection and general hiring processes are implemented. Participate in the selection of managerial employees and finalize offers of employment to same.
Ensure that all staff have orientation and training to carry out their responsibilities.
Ensure confidential employee files are maintained with up-to-date information including address, health card number, allergies, qualifications, hours worked, sick and vacation time entitlements, emergency contacts, performance evaluations and disciplinary correspondence.
Conduct probationary and annual job performance evaluations of senior staff and ensure that all other staff are evaluated by their immediate supervisor.
Research specific needs and develop an annual staff training plan.
Implement disciplinary action according to the policies and procedures of the organization.
Terminate employee contracts as required.

8.0 Financial Management

Plan, develop, prepare and present an annual budget which reflects accurately the allocation of funds and meets any funding requirements of the provincial government.
Authorize funding expenditures within the approved budget and according to executive limitations.
Monitor the financial stability and viability of the organization and identify any variances/issues to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.
Ensure that complete, accurate financial records are maintained.
Implement financial spending and fee collection policies, files and procedures.
Ensure that services, supplies and equipment that are purchased are within budget guidelines.
Negotiate annual service contracts and budgets with government and optimize revenues from subsidiary sources (e.g. United Ways, Trillium), ensuring that the reporting requirements of each are met.
Identify opportunities for partnerships, innovative approaches to problem solving and alternative sources of funding.

9.0 Information Management

Ensure that the various information service components (hardware, software and people) work cohesively towards the achievement of the information needs of the organization.
Monitor the quality and overall accuracy of the information systems.
Plan and recommend areas of growth with respect to the management information system.

10.0 Physical Facilities Management

Ensure proper maintenance of all assets and leased properties; enter into contractual arrangements as required (e.g. for lawn maintenance, snow removal, needed repairs, etc.).
Ensure appropriate and safe working conditions exist to enable staff to carry out their duties.

11.0 Communications

Provide leadership and initiative in developing and maintaining positive relationships with appropriate groups, community organizations and government bodies.
Ensure regular communications with staff.
Communicate and consult with the stakeholders of the organization (i.e., consumers, community partner organizations) as required.
Communicate with the media, as required, on operational activities and/or issues.

12.0 Representation of the Organization

Represent the organization in meetings with government, community partner organizations, provincial associations, etc., as may be required from time to time during standard and outside business hours.
Participate in community collaborative initiatives, inter-agency planning and coordination activities designed to improve outcomes for those experiencing chronic and/or persistent homelessness.

13.0 Professional Development

Participate in a performance evaluation process and follow up on any stated actions and/or goals.
Attend professional development opportunities.

AUTHORITY

The Board of Directors delegates authority to the Executive Director to:

Manage the organization.
Manage the resources of the organization in an effective and efficient manner.
Interpret and implement the policies of the organization.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors for the following:

Exercising leadership and developing an organization that is capable of adapting to the changing needs of individuals, families and the community.
Ensuring that legislation, regulations, policies and procedures are not violated.
Ensuring that the programs and services are delivered within the approved budget and that resources are allocated wisely.
Ensuring that the staff of the organization have the support, supervision, orientation and training to carry out their responsibilities.
Ensuring a safe, healthy and productive work environment.
Maintaining a harmonious working relationship with staff.
Providing reliable and timely information to support the decision making processes of the organization.
Developing and maintaining positive working relationships with community organizations and governments.
Ensuring that the organization is perceived by the community in a positive manner.
Minimizing the financial and legal liabilities of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum qualifications for the Executive Director position are as follows:

1.0 Educational Requirements

Post graduate university degree (s) in a related field acceptable to the Board of Directors.

2.0 Knowledge and Skill Requirements

Five to Eight years or more ED or equivalent experience.
Experience in the area of Housing First/addressing homelessness or related social science/health fields.
Experience in working with a non-profit Board of Directors.
Knowledge of relevant legislation pertaining to the organization.
Demonstrated experience managing and motivating others
Knowledge and skill to provide professional expertise and guidance to staff.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Effective and well developed interpersonal skills.
Computer literacy of a level sufficient to facilitate management of the organization.
Experience in program planning, development and evaluation.
Confident and consistent decision making skills.
Resourcefulness and flexibility to meet the needs of the organization and demands of the position.
Ability to work independently and as a team member to achieve outcomes and deadlines.
Ability to balance demands/priorities and manage effectively.
Ability to be a positive role model to program staff.

3.0 Competencies and Judgment

Demonstrated competence and good judgment to:

Handle emergencies, crisis, hostile behaviour.
Maintain control in difficult and frustrating situations.
Use professional judgment on a daily basis within guidelines established by provincial legislation and established policies and procedures.
Provide support and supervision to staff members.
Accommodate competing demands.
Communicate orally and in writing to staff, community agencies and the public.
Make effective group presentations.
Maintain confidentiality.

MAJOR CONTACTS

The Executive Director will maintain regular contact with the following:

Board of Directors
Management Team
Directly Supervised Staff
Community Partner Organizations and other Stakeholders
Funders and other regulatory bodies.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To explore this opportunity further please email your resume in confidence to Larry Sartor at larry@sartorandassociates.com and reference in the subject line: London CAReS ED